If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, taking pictures of vehicles involved in the crash, the accident scene, skid marks, as well as other details of the accident is a good idea to reinforce your claim.
However, posting these details on social media is not wise. Even if you are used to sharing everything about your life on social media, doing so after being involved in a motorcycle accident can hurt your case and lower your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Also, keep in mind that the other party, insurance companies, and adjusters will check your social media posts after an accident. In addition, the other party can go to court to seek an order to access everything. They might even consider hiring an expert to analyze your social media posts and use them to undervalue your claim.
However, in case you have already posted the details of the accident on social media, do not delete them. You can be accused of meddling with evidence, so, consult a personal injury attorney and let them take care of it.
How Posting on Social Media can Damage Your Motorcycle Accident Case
Posts can show that your injuries are not that bad
The pictures or videos you post on social media can be used to prove that your injuries are not as bad as you say. For instance, if you claim that you suffered a back or spinal cord injury as a result of an accident, insurance companies and the defense can use posts from your social media showing you dancing or playing your favorite game to show that you were never hurt.
Social media can reveal driving traits that can hurt your case
During your case trial, the judge and juries will use the evidence provided to them to make a final verdict. And social media can give out a lot of information that will weigh against your case.
That said, in your case, your ability to operate your bike as well as your attitude towards other road users will come up. If the social media posts show you are never a good driver, or that you are a reckless driver, they might consider siding with the other party.
Posts can annoy or offend the jury
Motorcycle riders are perceived as tougher than normal people. And while this might come in handy when it comes to handling emergencies, it can hurt your case. Remember that juries are prejudiced against motorcycle drivers, and this makes it even harder to prove your claims and get fair compensation.
Any post that supports their stereotypes of riders as uncontrolled and careless can make your case an antagonistic and long one.
Posts can refute your account of events
The story you give regarding the accident must align with the evidence provided. Also, you can predict all the evidence collected by the insurance companies and the police departments after the accident. However, your posts on social media can provide additional surprising evidence of the event. This evidence can be in the form of videos, pictures, or the types of stories you post about the accident. Remember that the posts do not have to be yours or the other party. Eyewitnesses can also post the accident pictures or videos that the other party or insurance companies can dig up.
Your expressions might suggest you admit fault
It is quite normal to be very talkative after an accident. However, everything you say can be used as evidence. Your posts might show you talking about how you never wanted any of it to happen or you wish you could have done something to avoid the incident.
All of these can be used against you. Therefore, avoid posting expressions of your feelings and thoughts about the event until your case is determined.
Summing It Up
Nowadays, it is very easy for people to pull out their phones, take photos and post them on social media. This might be fun but when it comes to motorcycle accidents, it’s not. These posts can hurt your case and lower your chances of getting fair compensation.
Avoid posting anything until your case is resolved.
